ISSUE No.

7 JANUARY 2007 YUGABDAH 5106

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Samiti Article 3 Kadambini Dharap Editor

Yoga 4 Anuradha Khadkekar Layout Designer

Pride of the state 5 Manisha Kand National Coordinator

Hindu Women 6 Ishwari Murthy Column Coordinator

Book Review 7 Usha Pappu Column Coordinator

I would like to share 8 Gayathri Nayak Column Coordinator

Current Issue 10 Ashwini Surpur Column Coordinator

Hindu Values 11 Shruti Pant Column Coordinatorr

Story 13

Why Do We Chant 14

Please email your suggestions to :

prerana@hssworld.org

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OUR PRERANA: Vandaniya Mousiji

(By Shruti Pant, Fremont,CA)

In this article we shall see how Ma. Mousiji used to tell in her Ramanyan discourse about how
alert citizens and leaders can help to protect their nation. In the last article we saw an example of
ideal citizenship in the incidence of Ravan and Indrajeet. After being coronated as king of
Ayodhya, Shri Ram asked the sages whether there was any king who had defeated Ravan earlier.
Rishis told Shri Ram that there were three kings who had defeated Ravan before him. They were
Daitya king and the one who was sent to paatala by Vaman – king Bali Raja. The second was
Kshatriya king Sahastrarjuna. And the third was Vanar king Raja Baali.

When Bali Raja defeated Ravan, Ravan was captured and imprisoned. Bali Raja was known as a
very generous king who gave away a lot for charity. Ravan’s father Vishrawa Muni came to Bali
Raja’s doors and begged for Ravan’s release in the form of alms (bhiksha). Next Ravan was im-
prisoned by king Sahastrarjun, but was released by Parashuram when Parashuram defeated Sahas-
trarjun and at the demand of Lord Shiva, helped the release of Ravan. The third warrior to win Ra-
van was Vanara king Baali. After being defeated, Ravan played a different tactic with Baali. Ra-
van knew that Baali had a boon of getting double the strength of his opponent in a battle, and there
was no way Ravan could defeat Baali. Ravan also knew that Baali was simple minded. The Va-
nara kingdom and Rakshas kingdoms were neighbors. Ravan tried to establish friendly relations
with neighbors by undertaking the Agni Saksha oath –oath in front of the pious fire. After getting
completely defeated, Ravan proposed a peace agreement with Baali. In this agreement, Ravan
shows his intelligence for protecting his interests. Ravan and Baali agreed that since they are
neighbors, they should maintain cordial relationship. They agreed that they will stand by if any
other party is attacked by someone from outside. Ravan went one step further and told Baali that
he will take care of the northern boundaries of Baali’s kingdom. This is where the difference be-
tween Baali’s in-experience and Ravan’s cunning intellect is shown. It was very well known that
beyond the Northern borders, there was Dandakaranya – where manavas ruled. Ravan posted an
army of rakshasas with his three cousins named Khara, Dushana and Trishira. They were super-
vised by his sister Shoorpanakha. Thus he made sure that manav and vanara never came together
to attack him. They were separated by Ravan’s army. Thus we can see that he had tremendous
knowledge and intelligence in protecting his kingdom.

Is it wise to allow army from another nation to keep the borders of our own country? This was the
biggest mistake of Baali in terms of national security.

If we look at the current situation, we see that the Indian government has removed its army camps
from China border and invited its invasion into our territory. In fact, we have allowed the monster
China to gobble up our northern ally, the friendly kingdom of Tibet and have almost made sure
that an enemy state like China is at our doorsteps.

Looking at the above example, we see that it is very important for our present day politicians and
government to understand Chanakya Neeti as well as teachings of Ramayan. Ma. Mausiji always
taught in her discourses that Ramayan should not be thought of only as a dharmic or religious
story, but we should think deeper and understand the teachings involved for national interests.

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YOGA: SURYA NAMASKAR

(By Anjali Patel, Cupertino, CA)

Suryanamaskar (Sun salutation ) is combination of few asanas. Its roots can be found in yoga philosophy
of vedic traditions. This exercise should be done everyday by everyone Let us practice suryanamaskaras
everyday and derive the immense benefits that are offered.
Benefits
Position Siddha/10 ( Pranamasan / Namaskarasan): Good for the diseases of the throat. Voice is en-
hanced. Both mind and body become healthy.

Positions1 (Urdhvasan / Ardha Chandrasan): Benefits : Both the shoulders and the food pipe
(Esophagus) get exercise and diseases related to them are corrected. Eyesight is also improved.

Positions2 /9 (Uttanasan / Hastapadasan): Disorders of the belly and digestive system are corrected.
The chest and hands become stronger and you become well balanced, beautiful and good looking.
Diseases of the feet and fingers are also corrected.

Positions3 (Eka Pad Prasaranasan / Ardha Bhujangasan ) : The posture stretches the small intestine
and the seminal vesicles. Hence this posture helps in correcting the constipation and diseases of the liver.
Thinness of the semen is also corrected. Diseases of the throat are also corrected.

Positions4 (Chaturang Dandasan / Makarasan): One gets relief from the pains - specially of arms,
legs and the knees. Bulging waist is trimmed and it is good for the abdominal disorders.

Positions5 (Sashtang Pranipatasan / Ashthanga): This posture makes the arms strong. If ladies per-
form this Asana before getting pregnant, the breast fed babies could be saved from the attacks of many
diseases.

Positions6 (Urdhvamukh Shwanasan / Bhujangasan): Benefits : Tones up the body and the back
muscles and improves the eyesight. Corrects all kinds of disorders related to the productive system, cor-
rects the irregularities in female’s menstrual cycles, blood circulation is also improved.

Positions7 (Adhomukh Shwanasan / Parvatasan): One gets relief from the pains - specially of arms,
legs and the knees. Bulging waist is trimmed and it is good for the abdominal disorders.

Positions8 (Eka Pad Prasaranasan / Ardha Bhujangasan ): The posture stretches the small intestine
and the seminal vesicles. Hence this posture helps in correcting the constipation and diseases of the liver.
Thinness of the semen is also corrected. Diseases of the throat are also corrected.

Positions9 (Uttanasan / Hastapadasan): Same as Position 2.

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PRIDE OF STATE

Andhra Pradesh – From the Past to the Present

History has forged, and left behind vital links with the state of Andhra Pradesh, as is evident from the
many edifices, monuments and architectural ruins, the legacy of dynasties as old as 300 B.C. Demands
for a separate state for Telugu speakers culminated by a 58-day fast-unto-death by Potti Sreeramulu led
to the formation of Andhra State on October 1, 1953. Kurnool was the first capital of the state. This led
the way for the formation of language-based states throughout India in 1957.

Andhra Pradesh is famous for its varied culture and tradition. The state conducts four festivals every
year. Deccan, Rayalaseema, Visaka, Festivals in February, January, and October respectively is a cele-
bration of arts, crafts, culture and cuisine in different parts of the state. The Lumbini Festival in Decem-
ber celebrates the Buddhist Heritage of Andhra Pradesh.
Andhra Pradesh has a rich tradition in handicrafts, with techniques of craftsmanship handed down from
generation to generation. Some of them are still a part of the cottage industry. Kalamkari, Bidri, Nirmal
paintings, Banjara needle craft, fascinating weaves from Pochampalli, Gadwal, Venkatagiri and a num-
ber of other centers have earned a name all over the world.
Kalamkari refers to a method of painting natural dyes onto cotton or silk fabric with a bamboo pen or
kalam. The art has evolved through trial and error over the last 3000 years In Andhra Pradesh, both the
Masulipatnam and Srikalahasti villages are recognized as major centers for Kalamkari painting.
Pochampally is famous for the pure silk sarees. A unique method of tie-and-dye is used and this is
known as ‘ikat’.

“The City of Pearls” - Hyderabad.

Shopping for bangles in the narrow bazaars of the old city of Hyderabad is an experience one should not
miss.Though not close to the sea, Hyderabad has had a flourishing trade in pearls. The processing of
pearls has been skillfully mastered in Hyderabad in that craftsmen can sort, refine and polish pearls with
ease.

”Classical Dance "Kuchipudi" from Andhra Pradesh”

Kuchipudi a dance form given to the Indian dance platform by a small village in the Andhra Pradesh. It
presents scenes from Hindu Epics and mythological tales through dance-dramas combining music,
dance and acting. Andhra Pradesh is also known for its traditional folk and tribal dances. They also con-
tribute equally to the artistic heritage of Andhra Pradesh. There are nearly thirty-three kinds of tribals.
All have, their own dances. Bathakamma, Gobbi, Dhamal, Vadhyam are a few famous tribal folk
arts.
Andhra Pradesh is also famous for its Architecture and many temples. The old famous temples have
caught the eye of many around the world Tirupati (Lord Balaji) is the most visited pilgrim center and
the richest temple. The Sreesailam temple is famous because it is one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Shiva.
The Drakashrama is famous for one of the Pancharama temples. The Sree Kalahasti temple is one of
the Panchabhoota temples of Shiva. The idol in the temple is the Vayu Lingam. It represents wind, one
of the five essential elements Agni, Vayu, Aakash, Jalam and Prithvi.
The state has also started to focus on the fields of information technology and biotechnology. The major
industries of the state also include Pharmaceuticals, Business Management, and Construction.

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HINDU WOMEN

Sita
The most cherished ideal of Hindu womanhood, too well known to need any description. Here are the
eloquent words of Swami Vivekananda on her from one of his Madras lectures, too tempting to be omit-
ted here. 'And what to speak of Sita? You may exhaust the literature of the world that is past, and I may
assure you, will have to exhaust the literature of the world of the future, before finding another Sita. Sita
is unique; that character was once depicted, and once for all. Ramas have been, perhaps several, but Sitas
never. She is the very type of the Indian woman as she should be, for all the Indian ideals of a perfected
woman have got around that one life of Sita, and here she stands, these thousands of years commanding
the worship of every man, woman, or child, throughout the length and breadth of the land of Aryavarta.
there she will always be, glorious Sita, purer than purity itself, all patience and all suffering. She who
suffered that life of suffering without a murmur, she the ever chaste and ever pure wife, she the ideal of
the people, the ideal of the gods, the great Sita, our national god she must always remain. And every one
of us knows her too well to require much delineation. All our mythology may vanish for ever, but as
long as there will be five Hindus living here, speaking the most vulgar patois, there will the story of Sita
be present. Mark my words. Sita has gone into the very vitals of our race. She is in the blood of every
Hindu man and woman; we are all children of Sita. Any attempt to modernize our women, if it tries to
take our women away from that ideal of Sita, is a failure. The women of India must grow and develop in
the footprints of Sita, and that is the only way.'

——————————————————————————————
INDRA KRISHNAMURTHY NOOYI
Indra Krishnamurthy Nooyi is the president and chief executive officer of PepsiCo, the world's fourth-
largest food and Beverage Company. On August 14, 2006 she was named the next to succeed Steve
Reinemund as chief executive officer of the company. Reinemund, 58, retired on October 1,2006. As of
the 1st of September 2006, Indra Nooyi is the fourth most powerful woman in the world, according to
Forbes magazine.
Nooyi was born in Chennai, India on October 28, 1955. She received a bachelor's degree from
Madras Christian College and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from the Indian In-
stitute of Management, Calcutta and graduated from the Yale School of Management. Prior to joining
PepsiCo, Nooyi started her career with The Boston Consulting Group, from where she moved on to hold
senior management positions at Motorola and Asea Brown Boveri.
Nooyi is also a Successor Fellow at Yale Corporation and serves on the board of directors of sev-
eral organizations, including Motorola, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the International Rescue
Committee, and the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. She lives in Greenwich, Connecticut with
her husband, Rajkishan, and their two daughters.
While at PepsiCo, Indra has played a vital role in starting Tricon. She also took the lead in the
acquisition of Tropicana in 1998. Nooyi assumed her current role as president and CFO of PepsiCo in
May of 2001. She was named on the Wall Street Journal's list of 50 women to watch in 2005. She was
ranked #11 on Fortune Magazines list of most powerful women in Business. She joined PepsiCo in 1994
and was named Chief Financial Officer in 2001. On August 14, 2006 she was named the CEO of Pep-
siCo. She becomes the fifth CEO in PepsiCo’s 41 year history.

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Book Review - PRIDE OF INDIA

This book is made of critical write-ups in English illustrating extracts from San-
skrit literature from Vedic period to 14th century CE (Common Era – used in
place of AD). The search of extracts is by a team of experts in various branches
of mathematics and science and of scholars in Sanskrit. Many quotations from
modern scholars found in the book add to our enlightenment and reading pleas-
ure.

Scholars have taken 3000 BCE (Before Common Era – used in place of BC) as
the Mahabharata period and calculated the Vedas as not later than 6000 BCE. A
dynasty of kings and a lineage of teachers help fix a date of an event. Rare as-
tronomical observations in literature help as markers to check on dates. Vedic
Price: $50.00 Mathematics solves problems in geometry for ritual purposes (pi, theorem of
By Pythogoroas, quadratics, etc.) and we note the early birth of decimal numbering
SAMSKRIT system and some current applications. It is remarkable that astronomy contin-
ued to develop without any religion forcing its “official” cosmology. In 5th
century CE, Bhaskara is seeing a world viewed from an earth, rotating on its axis in 23 hr 56 min 4.1 sec
and orbiting around the Sun in 365.57 days.(compare this with a ”view” proposed 1000 years later by
Copernicus and opposed by the religious order of that time in Europe).

River Saraswati flowed. Vedas flourished. Saraswati dried up. But, teachers and students continued to
affirm that they will lay the Universe bare. Ruins of Harappa is shown as that of a maturing civilization
on the banks of Saraswati, carbon-dating evidence fixing this period to 3500 BCE. Around time stan-
dardized kiln fired bricks were developed and used to exploit flood water to raise crops without effort of
cultivation and expense on fertilizers. Concept of standardization is seen in bricks of Harappa – spread
over 950 miles were the bricks of the same quality and size. Five thousand years later, the British, in
19th Century CE used them as ballast for railway.
Saraswati’s drying up is documented in Sanskrit literature. We read that modern surveys, Stein’s before
1940 and by US satellite in 1990, confirmed the drying up of Saraswati River but also paved way for ex-
ploiting the ground waters in an arid land. In 1998, twenty-three of the 24 wells dug up by Indian gov-
ernment along the dried up Saraswati yielded potable water. All this is important in another way. It has
killed a fancy theory of “Aryan” invasion of India. No Aryans invaded India, if any they were natives of
this land. Ancient world wondered about man’s place in the world and used observations and theory to
predicting seasons, good and bad times to start a voyage and so on.

Vedic Mathematics, Astronomy and Spherical Trigonometry as also Algebra progressed. Book quotes
literature of Vedic as well as the later periods, for example, Aryabhatta (~500 CE), and Bhaskara (~1200
CE). Differential Calculus often attributed for its discovery to Europe of 17th Century was in use by
Bhaskara II, around 1100 CE. Aryabhatta (~ 500 CE) of the University of Nalanda summarized the then
known literature on Astronomy, Plane and Spherical Trigonometry, and Algebra.Civil engineering starts
with soil testing. One simple method to quantify compaction of earth is to dig an arm length and fill hole
back with earth. Soil left after filling is a measure of compaction. Methods of building temples, with
halls and arches of 50 ft and of town planning are described. There are chapters on mechanical engineer-
ing, metallurgy, medicine, surgery and chemistry (kimaya, in Sanskrit). ”kim ayam“ means “What is
this?” It makes sense – Chemistry is a study of “What is it?”. (Kimi in Arabic and Chemistry in English).
( Continued on Page 9)

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Making of the Ramayan play – a memorable, divine journey!

(By Rekha, Atlanta, GA)

On Sep 9, 2006, the Atlanta Balagokulam vibhag presented a grand Ramayan play at the
Meadow creek high school in Norcross, GA. About 160 children from various Balagokulam centers in
and around the Atlanta region – namely Alpharetta, Norcross, Smyrna, Kennesaw and Dunwoody, par-
ticipated in the play with great excitement and enthusiasm.
The idea of organizing a Hindu Sangam day and presenting a Ramayan play was put forth in the
month of Jun-Jul. The major source of inspiration behind this event was the California center, which had
staged the play with 300 children. Preparations for the play started with great gusto by both parents and
children. We, as the organizers of the play were excited too, but we were worried about the feasibility of
such a massive project because never before had such a grand play (involving more than 100 children)
been conducted in the Atlanta area. The joy on the innocent faces of our children helped us gain confi-
dence. We took the name of Bhagwan Sri Rama and set all our worries aside.
The co-ordination effort behind the play proved to be a mammoth task. Five centers, each work-
ing on a bunch of scenes, were required to be kept in sync. In each Shakha, teachers were assigned to
scenes and rehearsals started in full swing. Teams for costume designs, props and sets design, stage and
lights co-ordination were also formed. Detailed planning of each of these areas began. The children and
their parents were delighted as this was their first opportunity to actually enact the wonderful characters.
The back scene co-coordinators meticulously planned out all the tasks and executed them with total effi-
ciency. There was so much positive energy flowing through all shakhas that it slowly turned our doubts
to strong conviction.
The preparation phase of the play brought all the families together and it was such a unifying ex-
perience! Families graciously offered to cook for the teams and opened their homes for meetings and
rehearsals. While kids made new friends with their scene mates, the gatherings helped parents mingle
and form new friends. Long hours of rehearsals, planning meetings and teleconferencing calls were con-
ducted and gradually the play took shape.
But the journey was full of challenges. The actual venue where the play was to be conducted
could not be available for dress rehearsal. This worried us a lot because without an onstage rehearsal the
children would not understand the dimension and scale of the stage (Especially since several children
had never stepped on a stage before!) Fortunately we found an alternate arrangement at the Hindu temple
of Atlanta and though the stage was nowhere close to the actual stage, we managed to successfully com-
plete our dress rehearsal. Also it was a tough task to assemble authentic costumes and sets for the play,
considering that there was no readymade option available in the US. The team came up with ingenious
ideas such as to make the tail of Hanuman with insulation and wire material, and to raise a full-scale pal-
ace backdrop with Styrofoam sheets! Many such creative and low-cost solutions were put forth and it
brought out the hidden talent and potential of many people.
After 3-4 months of preparation the day of the event finally dawned. Everyone was very nervous
and skeptical about how the various pieces would fit together to form one cohesive play. We had butter-
flies in our stomachs!
But when the play started our minds were blown away! The culmination of months of efforts of
160 families was in front of our eyes - we were speechless! Each child enacted his or her part with ut-
most confidence. Members of the audience were astounded to see the colorful costumes and their
authenticity.

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It made us feel as though Ramayan was actually happening in front of our eyes – we forgot that it was
only a play! The professional approach taken by the team members and their eye for detail was evident
on stage. The props, lighting effects were of top quality. But as they say - no drama is complete without
conflict, we faced a major audio glitch towards the finale scene when Kumbhakarna and Rama were in
battle. But the teachers, organizers and kids showed presence of mind. They briskly patched up the flaw
by a quick curtain close/curtain open action, and the scene continued to flow seamlessly. No one noticed
the error and the play was completed successfully. The children received a standing ovation and the au-
dience wanted an encore. Tears gleamed from our eyes and we could not believe that we had actually
done it! People in the audience generously congratulated everyone and they wanted to know when we
would come back with yet another grand show! The children (and all of us) want to know which play we
would stage next? Mahabharat? Krishna Leela?? Ideas have already begun to sprout in those fertile
minds!
Ramayan – its legacy and values, has got etched in the tender minds of the children. The success
of the play reassured us that with teamwork, dedication and hard work, any obstacle could be overcome,
that any goal can be reached. The event has brought everyone so close that we feel like a part of one big
family, a Balagokulam family. The children treasure their costumes. They show the pictures from the
play to their friends and relatives and grand parents with so much pride.
Glories to Sri Ram, whose divine blessings guided us through this profound journey and helped
us make so many fond memories for our children.
Bolo Sri Ram Chandra ki Jai!

Book Review - PRIDE OF INDIA (Continued from page 7)

Crucibles, furnaces, air blowing bellows, binders, caustic alkalis, explosives, manufacture of mercury,
zinc, copper and alloys was one aspect of Chemistry. Production and study of medicines and plants with
their special laboratories was another.
Agatsya-samhita (14th Century CE) describes generation of electricity in a copper – zinc
cell. This is sketched in the book. There is much information on medicine and surgery (methods and in-
struments). One example is plastic surgery – there is said to be a report in Madras gazette,1793, of Tippu
Sultan getting noses of 4 British soldiers cut and a Commanding Officer getting it fixed by an Indian
doctor following ancient India’s method. Seeing republication of this report in 1794 in London and get-
ting inspired, an English and then a German surgeon did similar “Indian” nose surgeries. The art of
rhinoplasty is described in a surgery book of 6th century BCE I note an error about Nobel prizes – there
is no Nobel for Maths nor one in Biology (but biologists are recognized under Medicine/Physiology).
Secondly, I think adding an index wouldbe useful.The book might well reawaken a pride in India that
started to decline in colonial days. It might inspire some of the readers to learn Sanskrit to read the origi-
nals and dig for morematerial.

Reviewed by
Dr. A. D. Madhura Nath
Professor Emeritus of Polymer Technology
San Jose, CA 95130

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The Lost War against Terror

Changed World
Sep 11th 2001 was a sad but an important turning point in the world’s politics. Countries such as America,
Britain, Israel and India have worked independently, or formed partial coalitions, politically correct coali-
tions, or opportunist coalitions to counter this menace against humanity; but they all have been ineffective
at best. The 9/11 incident was followed by many fateful incidents such as bombings in England subways,
series of train blasts in India’s financial capital – Mumbai, the foiled attempt to explode airplanes using
liquid bombs, and the attack on Israel by Hezbollah followed by Israel’s military actions against Lebanon.

President Bush has been the center of action since 2001, through his “war against terror”. However, his
coalition against terror is a weak, and a self-defeating coalition. He has defined countries such as Iran,
Libya and Syria as axis of evil whereas he calls Pakistan an ally. It is this ally, which is the hub of terror-
ist activities after the occupation of Afghanistan.

Result – a Renewed Danger

Bush uses the word "terrorist" to define not just al-Qaida, but also Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas of
Palestine. But these political groups are viewed quite differently in the Middle East; they're seen as
emerging political forces with street credibility and electoral clout. Iran has suddenly reached a new level
of power and influence. Iran's close ally, Lebanese Hezbollah, armed and trained by Iran, launched a
highly successful brief war against Israel. A guerrilla movement, well supplied with low-tech weapons,
out-fought and outmaneuvered a big conventional army of Israel using tanks, planes and artillery. Thanks
to the ineffective and misguided “war against terror”, instead of the old Sunni-Shia hostility, there is a
new unity among them in the Middle East.

The pictures of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah can be seen in shops, streets and houses in Lebonan,
Iran and many of the middle east countries. Nasrallah has emerged as a hero of the pan Islamic move-
ment. According to Prince Hassan of Jordan: "The populism of Ahmadinejad of Iran and Hezbollah in
Lebanon is an alternative to civil society in the Middle East”. Islamists have been offering clean alterna-
tive compared to western controlled “secular” governments such as corrupt Arab rule of today, and Iraq
regime under Saddam Hussein.

While the world has always had political conflicts and strife, it has a devastating effect on entire humanity
when it is done in the name of religion. Islamists are using religion as a goal, as a means and as a weapon
to hit, what they call western hegemony. Karl Marx said “Religion is the opium of the masses”. With
shortsighted policies of Bush government, we are feeding this opium to the Middle East masses in loads.
No army, no intelligence, no power and no offence can beat the crowd that is motivated by religious fa-
naticism. So the world is much less safe than it was before 9/11.

Is there a Solution?
Since the problem is religious fanaticism, the answer also lies in religion. What is needed is a conscious
effort to bring about a change in the pan Islamic world to establish moderate Islam. The west has no way
to do this because the west itself has a culture of arm-twisting other cultures in trying to influence them.
The answer lies in looking at the East. Ancient India never conquered any country, but she did

( Continued on Page 14)

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What is in a name? - Wonders of ‘Nama Yoga’

(By Iswari Murthy, Sugarland, TX )

What can a simple act of calling a ‘name’ achieve except to identify and address a person, ani-
mal or a thing? In fact, this simple, necessary and a mundane act of calling a name can become a syn-
thesis of all types of Yoga (Bhakti, Karma and Jnana) to achieve the highest possible state of a human
being – Self Realization, knowledge or Moksha. How is this possible?

Only a human being is endowed with the faculty of reasoning and free will. The purpose of this
faculty is to enquire into human nature and understand his true identity with the universal conscious-
ness.

Easiest method: It does not require any effort to pronounce, chant and meditate on God with
any name. It can be done by anybody (young or old, man or woman, physically strong or weak, rich or
poor), anywhere (at home, traveling, in a crowd anything), at any time (while walking, driving, sitting,
standing, sleeping etc.). The tradition of naming kids with God’s names serves the purpose or remem-
bering God and identifying the child with Godly qualities. Especially in modern days when people are
too busy to perform elaborate rituals, just pronouncing and contemplating on God can lead to Knowl-
edge.

Name - a method of Yoga: A clear and tranquil mind is a necessary quality for fulfillment,
happiness or Self-realization. Doing any work with intense love and devotion becomes Karma yoga
and Bhakti yoga (in fact both are the same) leads to Jnana or knowledge. Since total perfection is em-
bodied in God and hence in whatever name one chooses to contemplate on, it becomes a very easy tool
for self-identification with God. Calling a child is invariably infused with love and adoration and since
Jnana is seeing God in everything, everywhere, name becomes a very easy tool for this goal. Dehatma
bhava (feeling that I am the body) is gradually replaced by Atma Bhava (I am indeed the spirit or God).

God’s form is embedded in the Name: Just as we see a live, vibrant person when we view a
picture of that person, we visualize the entire qualities or attributes of God when we chant any of his
names or visualize him in any form. All powers of God are hidden in the name. By pronouncing the
name, contemplating on the infinite, perfect qualities we can become identified with the same. Nama
Yoga is a simple powerful tool for ‘chitta shuddhi’ or purification of the mind or removal of obstacles
for self realization in the form of desire, anger, ego, jealousy, covetousness and greed.

God’s name is Mantra: In a simplest way, Mantras are specific sounds uttered in a particular
rhythm (They are not just a language or sound or a combination of letters). The vibrations emanating
from uttering the mantras have the capacity to bring perfect harmony of body and mind and elevate the
mind to the highest state of awareness and realization. Infinite capacity of God is embedded in the
Mantras. Reciting or contemplating of God’s name can have the same mental effect as the mantras of
all the Vedas!

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Universe is created from a Name: The material cause for the manifestation of the universe is the
sound (nada) or Omkara or Pranava. From this primeval sound - letters have emerged, from letters - the
words, and from words the speech. All transactions in this world are through speech (language and com-
munication). Hence, it is not hard to visualize infinity embedded in name and by chanting or contemplat-
ing on God’s name we can comprehend the infinite.
Form has emerged from Name: A word cannot be separated from what the word denotes. For
example, be saying the word ‘chair’ we convey what it stands for and the mind forms a picture of a ‘chair’
and understands it. Similarly by saying God’s name, mind is visualizing all the infinite attributes of God.
By constant contemplation on the name and its attributes we become identified with the object of contem-
plation, or merged with God.

Self-realization by Name: As mentioned in the beginning, man is not satisfied or completely

happy until he realizes his relation with the world. Unconditional happiness comes from the realization of
identity with all the creation and this is the state of self-realization. Just a simple routine of calling God’s
name can produce the effect of all the endeavors for gaining true knowledge or Moksha. Chanting God’s
name with devotion leads to total transformation of personality, removal of all feelings of shortcomings
and weaknesses, and brings about freedom, fearlessness and tranquility. This is the natural state of hu-
man being and is in harmony with self, nature and society.

Methods of Nama Yoga: Similar to the eight stages in Yoga of sage Patanjali (Yama, Niyama,
Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dyana, Samadhi), in Nama yoga the stages can be (1):
Namochhara (pronouncing the name); (2): Nama Japa (Repeated pronouncing and contemplation); (3):
Nama Dhyana (continuous contemplation); (4): Nama Samadhi (Identity with the object of contempla-
tion).

A simple practice of calling a name can be transformed into a spiritual pursuit and we can achieve
the human goal of self realization. This can be practiced during our daily routine, in interaction with fam-
ily members, friends, colleagues and all the people we interact with. This could be extended to plants and
animals too, since they are a part God’s manifestation. There is no time or a situation when one cannot
attempt to realize God or one’s true nature. It can be done by anybody at any time in any place and at
any stage of life. This is one reason that in our tradition we name kids after God’s names or after any one
of his infinite qualities. Our great saints have shown us such a simple, practical and an easiest way to-
wards happiness and bliss. A few of the saints who have equivocally validated this method by their own
example are NamDev, Tukaram, JnanaDev, Kabir, Ekanath, Purandaradasa, Kanakdasa, Meerabai and
Andal.

Source: ‘Nama Yogada Mahime’ (A book in Kannada), By Dr. Namadevaswamy Anandarao Uttarkar.

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FAITH
(By Anuradha Khadkekar, Santa Clara, CA)

A man was sleeping in his small house and then he heard a voice, "My dear child, please open your eyes."
The man suddenly woke up and saw his room filled with light. GOD was standing right in front of him.
God said, "I have some work for you to do". The man responded, "Please tell me". Then God took him out
of his house and pointed towards a big rock in front of his house and told him, "Push this rock with all your
strength". The man said, "Yes, It's my pleasure to do it". Then God disappeared.

The man was happy to see God and decided to obey his command. Next morning he woke up early and
pushed the rock very hard with all his strength. He kept on doing this for many days and then for years. His
skin got tanned in the sun, but he didn't give up. He continued same thing even in the cold and rainy
weather. Every night he returned home very tired and worn out. His shoulders, leg and hands pained to
death. Still he was pushing the big rock daily and remembered God and his words.

After few years, God sent his angel to the man to test his honesty. The angel came to the man and said,
"Since long time I have been watching you pushing hard against that rock, and your efforts are going in
vain. You couldn't move the rock even a bit, then why are you doing this? Isn't it useless?” Thus the angel
tried to convince the man that this was something impossible and that’s why he has failed. These thoughts
discouraged the man badly. "Why am I killing myself for this?" he thought, "Now I won't work hard and
will put the minimum efforts in my task" And he started working as per his plan, but soon he felt uncom-
fortable by not doing his work honestly.

To clear his confusion, he said, "God, please help me. I have worked hard, long and with full honesty in
your service. I put all my strength to do what you had asked. Still I couldn't move the rock even half a mil-
limeter. What is my mistake? What is the cause of this failure?" God replied gently, "My dear, when I
asked you to do the task, you accepted it without thinking. I asked you to push against the rock with all
your strength, which you did for years till now. But I never told you that I wished you to move it. Your
task was only to push the rock. Now you have come to me thinking that all your strength is spent in a fail-
ure.”
“Look at yourself carefully and tell me, do you really think that you have failed? See your arms and legs
are stronger than before. Your back and shoulders are harder, with constant pressure your hands are cal-
lused, and your legs have become massive and tough.”
“You have much more abilities than you used to have; you have grown up through this opposition. Your
intension was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith in my wisdom. You have done your
job, now I will do mine, I will move the rock."

Sometimes we also hear such words from God. He may come in any other form and we don't realize him.
We use our own intellect to give excuses for our actions. But what God expects and values is Faith. Faith
makes us stronger in ways unimaginable!

When all the things seem to go wrong ... just push!

When people don't react the way you expect ... just push!
When people just don't understand you... just push!
Believe that you are going to learn more and more, improving your abilities!
Believe that you are going to get stronger and stronger!

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WHY DO WE CHANT?

Om is one of the most chanted sound symbols in India. It has a profound effect on the body and mind of
the one who chants and also on the surroundings. Most mantras and vedic prayers start with Om. Al-
though this symbol is mentioned in all the Upanishads and in all Hindu scriptures, it is especially elabo-
rated upon in the Taittiriya, Chandogya and Mundaka Upanishads.
“The goal, which all Vedas declare, which all austerities aim at, and which human desire
when they live a life continence, I will tell you briefly it is Aum. The syllable Aum is indeed
Brahman. This syllable Aum is the highest. Whosoever knows this symbol obtains all that he
desires. This is the best support; this is the highest support. Whosoever knows this support is
adored in the world of Brahman.”
— Katha Upanishad I, ii, 15-17
Om is the universal name of the Lord. It is made up of the letters A U M. The three letters symbolize the
three states (waking, dream and deep sleep), the three deities (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva). The
symbol of Aum contains of three curves, one semicircle (crescent) and a dot (bindu). The large lower
curve symbolizes the waking state; the upper curve denotes deep sleep (or the unconscious) state, and
the lower curve (which lies between deep sleep and the waking state) signifies the dream state. These
three states of an individual’s consciousness, and therefore the entire physical phenomenon, are repre-
sented by the three curves. The dot signifies the Absolute (fourth or Turiya state of consciousness),
which illuminates the other three states. The semicircle symbolizes maya and separates the dot from the
other three curves. The semicircle is open on the top, which means that the absolute is infinite and is not
affected by maya. Maya only affects the manifested phenomenon. In this way the form of Aum symbol-
izes the infinite Brahman and the entire Universe
The entire essence of the Vedas is enshrined in the word Om. It is said that the Lord started creating the
world after chanting Om and atha. Hence its sound is considered to create an auspicious beginning for
any task that we undertake. The Om chant should have the resounding sound of a bell (aaooommm).
Thus Om symbolizes everything - the means and the gol of life, the world and the Truth behind it, the
material and the Sacred, all form and the Formless.

The Lost War against Terror (Continued from Page 10)

influence almost half of the continent with her peaceful culture. Indian geniuses have called her, the
Guru of the world. With America's strong democracy, secularism, tolerance and scientific advancement,
she is much better placed than the ancient India was, to lead the world into peace. Yes, America has to
toil for that and has to make some sacrifices. We may not enjoy the abundance of resources and cheap
oil forever. But we will enjoy peace of mind instead. We may have to give up our consumerism and
start living simple like the rest of the world. We will earn the goodwill of the entire world then. We will
be respected not due to fear, but due to love. It requires a huge amount of political and social will on our
part. As Gandhi said - you be the change that you want to see in others. Are we ready for the change?

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